The surge of COVID-19 makes it more challenging for countries to eliminate transmission. Several plans and restrictions have been the main focus of combating the rapid infection of the virus. In England, efficient administration of vaccines and treatments is their first line of defence. Therefore, the government pushed for free lateral flow and PCR tests as part of the government’s initiative in dealing with COVID-19.
However, this privilege has come to an end. The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that access to free COVID-19 tests would end starting from April 1, 2022. Its grounds are the population’s increased immunity and the need to reduce the extremely large funding for universal free testing. Still, ministers confirmed that “individuals most at risk from the virus” will continue to access free symptomatic testing but have yet to provide further information.
Starting on April 18, the general population in Scotland will no longer have access to free lateral flow tests. Free PCR testing for symptomatic patients, except certain at-risk groups, will close on April 30.
Wales will stop free PCR testing except for at-risk populations starting on March 28. However, it will keep free lateral flow tests for symptomatic individuals until the end of June.
Northern Ireland intends to discontinue free PCR testing for most people, including those with symptoms. However, it will maintain free lateral flow tests for symptomatic people until June. There will be less testing when the infection level drops. It would help if you remained vigilant to prevent pandemics.
What are the exceptions?
The UK government warned around 3.7 million people in England to take precautions during the pandemic. They were considered clinically extremely vulnerable and immunocompromised. The list included people who had recently or might have had blood cancer or a weak immune system due to treatment with steroid medication or biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiation, or an organ or bone-marrow transplant.
The UK Health Security Agency recently sent priority PCR testing to 1.3 million people deemed to be most at risk for severe COVID-19. If the tests return positive, they may also be eligible for antiviral treatment. It is not yet clear who will be eligible to receive free testing starting April 1. If you wish to get tested now, you can get it from pharmacies or retailers.
The Role of Testing in Pandemic Response
There will be fewer cases whenthe offering of free testing stopped. The danger of under-detection lies in the fact that policymakers and the general public might not be aware of the magnitude of the pandemic.
Another issue is the marked decrease in PCR tests. A smaller percentage of these tests will not be sequenced to search for new variants. Thus, the hospital cases will be the only ones that will require sequencing. If a deadly new variant is known, it may be too late to follow the sequencing.
Notably, data for mass testing is insufficient to justify a pandemic control strategy. There is no way to test everything. The claimed sensitivity range is between 85 and 98 percent for PCR tests. This means that they may overlook one out of every six infections. The sensitivity of lateral flow devices has been estimated to be approximately 78%. However, it might be as little as 38%.
COVID-19 Testing Services
Not all companies offer similar testing services. Before searching for a private supplier, you must choose which testing service you require. You may need documentation of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling abroad. Typically, providers will offer you a fit to fly certificate after testing. The country you wish to travel to, and occasionally the airline determines the testing criteria.
To lawfully offer these services, private providers must meet the government’s minimal requirements for accurate and reliable test to release. Many companies provide test kits via mail or courier; therefore, you should allow sufficient time for your kit to arrive. If you require an in-person examination, check directly with providers to determine if this is available.
To learn more, here is an infographic titled Free COVID-19 Tests: When Will be End in England? If you are looking for an affordable COVID-19 testing kit, contact the trusted and reliable “Official Rapid Tests” by “Harley Medic International“. Get in touch through their website.
